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He Opens Blinded Eyes To SEE??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #614

03 Friday Jan 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, Darkness or Light?, He Opens Blinded Eyes to SEE

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #614  He Opens Blinded Eyes To SEE???

 

I must admit it’s been a long week at our house—yet God is truly faithful to “strengthen the weak hands” (and hearts, See Job 4:3).

“Let the words of my mouth,

and the meditation of my heart,

be acceptable in thy sight,

O LORD,

my strength,

and my redeemer.”   Psalm 19:14

You see, just as David wrote the 23rd Psalm, he spoke of “my” shepherd—and that’s the point; have you come to the shepherd?  Has He opened your eyes?  Are you willing to trust Him to save you from your sin, or are you contented ‘in’ your sin?  These are all important questions, that we each ought to consider, for we all have blinded eyes without the convicting power of the Holy Spirit of God/Jesus!  He is the one who opens blinded eyes—He opened my eyes many long years ago, when I was so consumed with my own self-righteousness.  After all, I’d been in the church since I was born, I knew all the jargon, I knew how to blend in and keep people happy with me, but one day Jesus came to me!  No, not in person, but that convicting voice that calls to the heart spoke truth to my soul and said clearly, “You’re NOT mine!”  And I won’t take the time to describe the arguing that went on for hours, until finally I was willing to receive His truth about my own sin, fall on my knees and repent of trying to “save myself by my impressive ‘churchy’ stuff”, and called on Jesus to forgive my sin and save me by His blood sacrifice for me!  I got up from my living room floor a different woman!  And for the last 40+ years I am ever learning, from my Lord, how to see as HE sees!  How about you?  Let’s look at some truth from scripture that I pray will speak to your heart whether you know Jesus already (and need to hear His voice calling you to repent and recommit your “all” to Him—See 1 John 1:19); or if you’ve never bowed before this King of Kings and Lord of Lords, may He speak clearly to your heart, and may you open your ears to hear, your eyes to see, and your heart to believe, and receive the greatest gift of all.

As I was reading some public comments on an interview that I did regarding our recent tragedy, I was amazed at the number of people who had an “opinion” but totally missed the point of what was shared.  I thanked God that I was/am trusting HIM to use it to speak to eyes that are willing to see, ears that are willing to hear, and hearts that are desperate for help!  As a preacher friend of mine said long ago (and it gave me freedom from the “reaction/response” distraction!), “You can’t force feed people who don’t want to eat?”

“But though he had done so many miracles

before them,

yet they believed not on him:

38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake,

Lord,

who hath believed

our report?

and to whom hath the arm of the Lord

been revealed?

39 Therefore they could not believe,

because that Esaias said again,

40 He hath blinded their eyes,

and hardened their heart;

that they should not see

with their eyes,

nor understand

with their heart,

and be converted,

and I should heal them.”   John 12:37-40

These people who saw Jesus in the flesh refused to believe, with their own eyes, ears and heart, the very Son of God, and when we refuse, we aren’t guaranteed another opportunity!  What about me/you?  Has God spoken truth to your heart, and you have rejected it?

“But if our gospel be hid,

it is hid to them

that are lost:

4 In whom the god of this world

hath blinded the minds

of them which believe not,

lest the light of the glorious gospel

of Christ,

who is the image of God,

should shine unto them.

5 For we preach not ourselves,

but Christ Jesus the Lord;

and ourselves

your servants

for Jesus’ sake.

6 For God, who commanded the light

to shine out of darkness,

hath shined in our hearts,

to give the light

of the knowledge of the glory

of God

in the face of Jesus Christ.”  2 Corinthians 4:3-6

Even Jesus Himself reminded us that there is a “way that seemeth right” to a man/woman/boy/girl, but it leads the wrong way.

“Enter ye in

at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be

which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.

15 Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”   Matthew 7:13-15

In closing, may I challenge you to spend some time today, this weekend, considering your own vision!  For you see, the choice is yours, but be careful—there is a consequence for every choice, and that consequence isn’t set by you!

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh

reap corruption;

 but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit

reap life everlasting.”   Galatians 6:7-8

My prayers are that you will have “eyes to see” and “ears to hear” and come to this Savior who gave HIS life for you!

Amen and Amen!!!

THE Light Overcomes The Dark!!! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 18

29 Sunday Dec 2019

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, Amazing Grace, Born Again, Choose You This Day!, Darkness or Light?, Death, Evil will not win, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Follow Jesus, JESUS, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Life, Life or Death?, Light In The Dark, Listening To God

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 14 No. 18 THE Light Overcomes The Dark!!!

 

It has been a long 10 days for my family, as the darkness and evil of this world crowded into our midst through the evil act of one person.  I have seen the light shine brightly regardless of the evil that tried to defeat us and took the life of my only daughter.  The reasons and drama of the “event” isn’t what I want to talk about today, but rather I want to talk to you about the “light of the world” that has prevailed, is prevailing and will prevail for those who look to HIM!  And yes, JESUS IS that light—and like a lighthouse to a sailor, I will fix my eyes on Jesus to make it to shore!

“That was the true Light,

 which lighteth every man

that cometh into the world.

10 He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.”  John 1:9-10

“Again, a new commandment I write unto you,

which thing is true

in him

and in you:

because the darkness is past,

and the true light

now shineth.”  1 John 2:8

Jesus is “the true Light”—and without Him we are in darkness, but praise God Almighty, we can not only see Him, but know Him and be a reflection of HIS light!  Despite darkness having invaded our lives, I will stand for the Lord Jesus Christ—my life, my light, and my redeemer; and HE can be yours!

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying,

I am the light of the world:

he that followeth me

shall not walk

in darkness,

but shall have

the light of life.”  John 8:12

We don’t have to run from the darkness, for His light is within us by His grace, love for us, and the forgiveness of sins that He grants to those who repent and believe in His substitutionary (in my place), atoning (righted my wrong), sacrifice (paying my sin-debt with HIS own blood); and the indwelling of HIS Holy Spirit!

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet to be partakers

of the inheritance

of the saints

in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”   Colossians 1:12-14

You see, this same Jesus who IS light, came into a darkened world who didn’t perceive HIS light for they were blinded, just as men are today.  It’s kind of like “snow blindness” when the light is so bright and continual that the eyes can’t tolerate it.  Jesus told Nicodemus, the religious leader, that having eyes “to see” isn’t enough; we must have God’s convicting revelation to recognize light as light and be born again—have new life!

“Jesus answered and said unto him,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again,

he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him,

How can a man be born

when he is old?

can he enter the second time

into his mother’s womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered,

Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born of water

and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter

into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh

is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit

is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again.”  John 3:3-7

And, just how are we born again?  By the power, grace and saving faith that God’s Holy Spirit draws us to!  Have you heard His voice?  Have you opened the door of your heart to Jesus?  Or have you failed to “see” the “light of the world”?

“He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.

14 And the Word was made flesh,

and dwelt among us,

(and we beheld his glory,

the glory

as of the only begotten

of the Father,)

full of grace and truth.”  John 1:10-14

Jesus came that we might have this new birth–life in HIM–life “more abundantly”!  Have YOU been born again?  John makes it clear that it’s not dependent on our “heritage” (not of blood); it’s not dependent on our “will power” (not..the will of the flesh); it’s not dependent on the ‘prayers of your mother or your grandmother’(not..the will of man)—it’s dependent on YOUR choice to receive Jesus and His atoning sacrifice, and be transformed by the Light Of The World.  Will you choose light or stay in the dark, and if you are His, don’t let the darkness distract you, for we are to be reflecting His light to the world, not letting the dirt of the world dim our light. (See Matt. 5:13-15)

“Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

15 That ye may be blameless

and harmless,

the sons of God,

without rebuke,

in the midst of a crooked

and perverse nation,

among whom ye shine

as lights in the world;

16 Holding forth the word of life;

that I may rejoice in the day of Christ,

that I have not run in vain,

neither laboured in vain.”   Philippians 2:14-16

Don’t be deceived by the enemy of your soul—the one who is the “father of lies” (See John 8:44), for there are plenty of his minions going about to “steal…and to kill….and to destroy”!  Beware of what you accepting as truth!

“For such are false apostles,

deceitful workers,

transforming themselves

into the apostles of Christ.

14 And no marvel;

for Satan himself is transformed

into an angel of light.

15 Therefore it is no great thing

if his ministers also be transformed

as the ministers of righteousness;

whose end shall be according

to their works.”    2 Corinthians 11:13-15

Even as Jeremiah the prophet reminds us:

“Declare this in the house of Jacob,

and publish it in Judah, saying,

21 Hear now this,

O foolish people,

and without understanding;

which have eyes,

and see not;

which have ears,

and hear not:”  Jeremiah 5:20-21

And Isaiah takes us to the heart of the matter; we have chosen our own sin over God’s voice of conviction; we have chosen our own sin over God’s way, because we think we can handle it.  Check out your environment—is it light or dark?

“Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened,

that it cannot save;

neither his ear heavy,

that it cannot hear:

2 But your iniquities have separated

between you and your God,

and your sins have hid

his face from you,

that he will not hear.”  Isaiah 59:1-2

So, in closing I’d like to share a passage that lays it all out on the table, as Paul makes it clear that we all need JESUS, but the choice is yours.  But choose wisely, there is a test—and there is only One answer—JESUS!

“And you hath he quickened,

who were dead

in trespasses

and sins;

2 Wherein in time past

ye walked

according to the course of this world,

according to the prince

of the power of the air,

the spirit that now worketh

in the children of disobedience:

3 Among whom also we all had our

conversation in times past

in the lusts of our flesh,

fulfilling the desires of the flesh

and of the mind;

and were by nature

the children of wrath,

even as others.

4 But God,

who is rich in mercy,

for his great love wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins,

hath quickened us together

with Christ,

(by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up

together,

and made us sit

together

in heavenly places

in Christ Jesus:

7 That in the ages to come

he might shew the exceeding riches

of his grace

in his kindness toward us

through Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace are ye saved

through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk

in them.”   Ephesians 2:1-10

The light still shines……..is HE shining in YOU?

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy;

whereunto ye do well

that ye take heed,

as unto a light that shineth in a dark place,

until the day dawn,

and the day star

arise in your hearts:”  2 Peter 1:19

I pray that God will speak to your heart and draw you into HIS light!  Amen and Amen!!!

“But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.”   1 Corinthians 15:57

Unearthed Treasure??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No. 14

25 Sunday Nov 2018

Posted by in Born Again, Salvation, Unearthed

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 12 No.14 Unearthed Treasure???

 

“These all died in faith,

not having received the promises,

but having seen them afar off,

and were persuaded of them,

and embraced them,

and confessed

that they were strangers

and pilgrims

on the earth.

14 For they that say such things

declare plainly

that they seek a country.

15 And truly, if they had been mindful

of that country

from whence they came out,

they might have had opportunity

to have returned.

16 But now they desire a better country,

that is,

an heavenly:

wherefore God is not ashamed

to be called their God:

for he hath prepared for them a city.”   Hebrews 11:13-16

God reminds us through this great chapter of faith, that those who are God’s and follow Him, are seeking “a better country, that is, an heavenly” kingdom—an eternal one. They have “unearthed” a treasure that this world cannot see or understand apart from Jesus; apart from being “born again” by the blood of The Lamb; “born” of God’s Spirit–having our “place of birth” changed from earth to heaven.

Unearth: means not only ‘to dig or get out of the earth’, but it also can mean ‘to uncover or bring to light by search, inquiry, etc.’. In other words, when we are saved by Jesus and receive His saving grace, we unearth a treasure of unequalled value—a treasure to/for our souls. Our focus is changed from an earthly perspective to a heavenly one. We have not only ‘unearthed’ a treasure but the transforming power of Jesus’ blood “unearth’s” our heart and sets it on things above, not on ‘earthly’ things. But we have to do our part and resist the “wiles of the devil” and keep our heart and mind set on the things of God.

“If ye then be risen with Christ,

seek those things which are above,

where Christ sitteth

on the right hand

of God.

2 Set your affection on things above,

not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:1-2

How? By dwelling on the things of God, even as Paul reminded the church at Philippi!

“Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.”    Philippians 4:8

We can succeed in this only by the power of the Holy Spirit, who God’s gives to His own, through the new birth which Jesus’ sacrifice provides—being “born again…..of God”.

“But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe

on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.” John 1:12-13

“3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born again,

he cannot see

the kingdom of God……….

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,

Except a man be born

of water and of the Spirit,

he cannot enter

into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh

is flesh;

and that which is born of the Spirit

is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee,

Ye must be born again.”   John 3:3 & 5-7

Have you been “un-earthed” by the new birth? Have you been “born…..of the Spirit”? Are you steeped in the “earth” and it’s trappings, or have you discovered the treasure that is only found in Jesus! If you have then don’t get bogged down in the “mud” of the world but pursue the glory of God, by abstaining “from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul”!

“Dearly beloved,

I beseech you

as strangers

and pilgrims,

abstain from fleshly lusts,

which war against the soul;

12 Having your conversation

honest among the Gentiles:

that, whereas they speak against you

as evildoers,

they may by your good works,

which they shall behold,

glorify God in the day of visitation.”   1 Peter 2:11-12

We must continually and consciously choose to keep our eyes, our heart and our mind on Jesus, and we can do that by God’s wondrous grace, which is continually working in us to change us from glory to glory….

“But if our gospel be hid,

it is hid to them that are lost:

4 In whom the god of this world

hath blinded the minds

of them which believe not,

lest the light of the glorious gospel

of Christ,

who is the image of God,

should shine unto them.

5 For we preach not ourselves,

but Christ Jesus the Lord;

and ourselves your servants

for Jesus’ sake.

6 For God, who commanded the light to shine

out of darkness,

hath shined in our hearts,

to give the light

of the knowledge

of the glory of God

in the face of Jesus Christ.

7 But we have this treasure

in earthen vessels,

that the excellency of the power

may be of God,

and not of us.

8 We are troubled

on every side,

yet not distressed;

we are perplexed,

but not in despair;

9 Persecuted,

but not forsaken;

cast down,

but not destroyed;

10 Always bearing about in the body

the dying of the Lord Jesus,

that the life also of Jesus

might be made manifest

in our body.

11 For we which live

are alway delivered unto death

for Jesus’ sake,

that the life also of Jesus

might be made manifest

in our mortal flesh.” 2 Corinthians 4:3-11

God’s power—God’s Spirit– all for His glory, and our glory IN Him—all because HE is in us.

“To whom God would make known

what is the riches

of the glory

of this mystery

among the Gentiles;

which is Christ in you,

the hope of glory:” Colossians 1:27

God’s work to not only grow us, and help us draw closer to Him in intimate fellowship, but also HIS glory shining in and through us before a corrupt world of darkness! May our lives continually pursue that glory—through His Spirit and His Word?

“Now the Lord is that Spirit:

and where the Spirit of the Lord is,

there is liberty.

18 But we all,

with open face

beholding as in a glass

the glory of the Lord,

are changed

into the same image

from glory

to glory,

even as by the Spirit

of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Just as Jesus told us, we must choose whether we want to be a “stick in the mud” or if we want to be changed into HIS image “from glory to glory”, letting our “little light shine” with HIS glory—so that others will see Him and come to salvation!

“Ye are the light of the world.

A city that is set on an hill

cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle,

and put it under a bushel,

but on a candlestick;

and it giveth light unto all

that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine

before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father

which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

Amen and Amen!